The Javan Tiger likely became extinct in the mid-1970s (Seidensticker 1987). On the basis of morphology Mazak and Groves (2006) classified the Javan Tiger as a distinct species, Panthera sondaica. Classically it is considered to be a subspecies of Tiger Panthera tigris (Nowell and Jackson 1996).

Justification:
Tigers were last positively recorded from Java's Meru Betiri National Park in 1976, and likely disappeared from much of the rest of the island by the 1940s. The causes of extinction include hunting, and loss of forest habitat and prey base. There are no Javan Tigers in captivity (Seidensticker 1987).